The Road to '09: Jacksonville Jaguars

1. Can David Garrard take this team to the postseason?

I wouldn’t go as far as saying Garrard’s career in Jacksonville is at a crossroads, but there was a reason rumors circulated close to the draft that the team was considering making a move to bring in USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

APDavid Garrard

But all that does is leave us where the Jags left off in 2008 — with Garrard under center and leading this football team. However, this season may become a huge selling point for Garrard himself, as he must prove that he can return to the form that took the team to the postseason in 2007.

Here’s a look at Garrard’s numbers the past two seasons:

2007: 12 starts, 2,509 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INTs, 102.2 QB rating

2008: 16 starts, 3,620 yards, 15 TDs, 13 INTs, 81.7 QB rating

Another season with declining numbers might lead the Jags to start looking for replacements at both the quarterback position and on the sidelines — as Garrard’s success could also play a role in determining the fate of head coach Jack Del Rio.

2. Who’s going to catch the football in Jacksonville this season?

I like the idea that the Jags went out and signed former Ram Tory Holt this offseason to add some veteran leadership and professionalism to the WR corps, but this isn’t the same Holt who was part of the “Greatest Show on Turf” once upon a time in St. Louis.

However, you can’t pay enough for his professionalism as a football player. I was a member of the Rams with Holt in 2000, and when you talk about guys like Marshall Faulk in terms of preparing like a pro, Holt has to be in the discussion. And that could be essential, as the veterans must show players like Troy Williamson and Mike Walker — plus rookie slot receiver Mike Thomas — how to play with consistency at this level.

Expect TE Marcedes Lewis (41 receptions in ’08) and RB Maurice Jones-Drew (62 receptions) to once again be among the team leaders in receptions — but this club, and Garrard, still needs someone to step up in the WR corps and make a difference in ’09.

3. Can the Jags’ defense step up and make a difference?

Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has left for New Orleans, so this unit now has to prove that it can not only play in a new system but force turnovers and get to the quarterback.

In ’08, the Jags were minus-7 in turnover ratio, and that just isn’t good enough to win on Sundays in this league. Plenty of that can be attributed to the lack of production from the defensive line (29 sacks) and the secondary (13 interceptions). For some reason, Williams and his system weren’t a good fit for the personnel in Jacksonville, but I believe they have the players to produce defensively and give this team a chance to win games in the fourth quarter.

This unit needs a solid year from cornerback Rashean Mathis and safety Reggie Nelson in the back end, and up front, there has to be production from last year’s first-round pick, DE Derrick Harvey, and fellow DE Quentin Groves. Putting Garrard and the offense in scoring position is key to this team’s success in ’09.

4. How will Maurice Jones-Drew fare as the featured back?

APMaurice Jones-Drew

I believe the rest of the league has finally caught on to the talents of Jones-Drew, and with a new contract in place, all he has to do is focus on what he does best — being a complete player.

Jones-Drew can run downhill with power and he can excel in the outside running game. He’s adequate in pass protection, and he’s a weapon out of the backfield in the passing game. Plus, when he gets the ball in the open field, he breaks tackles and uses his low center of gravity to run through defensive backs. He’s the ultimate weapon for this team, but the Jags still have to be careful that they don’t burn out his legs too early in the season. I expect Chauncey Washington to see an increased role in ’09, but when the Jags need a play, the football should be in Jones-Drew’s hands.

I honestly think he’s that good.

5. What do we make of the Jags overall?

There are plenty of questions surrounding this football team as it prepares to go to training camp. Is Garrard close to being on the hot seat? Does this team have enough playmakers on offense? Can the defense live up to the overall talent it has? And how long until Del Rio’s name is brought up in the media concerning his job security?

APHead coach Jack Del Rio

But as it always works in this league, teams that go into camp with various question marks seem to pull together and become dangerous. I’m sure the national media will do everything in its power to avoid talking about Jacksonville at all costs when it comes to predicting the AFC South, but I wouldn’t go as far to forget about this team.

Yes, they’ll need more production from every position outside of Jones-Drew, but I still think this club is more dangerous than we all think. Dangerous enough to make a move in one of the most physical divisions in football? September will tell us that.

The Draft

Our resident draft expert, Wes Bunting, breaks down some notable draft picks from last April that will be wearing a Jags uniform this fall.

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

APFirst round draft pick Eugene Monroe

Monroe has to be considered one of the big steals of the first round in the 2009 draft. He is as NFL-ready as any prospect in the draft and looks poised to become that linchpin at left tackle the Jaguars need. I expect him to start from day one and anchor the Jacksonville O-line for the next 10 years.

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

I love the selection of Britton in the second round because it gives the Jaguars two young, talented offensive tackles and allows Britton to play on the right side. Britton is a bit short-armed, but he possesses the technique and footwork to certainly develop into a very good right tackle in the league.

Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona

Thomas gives the Jaguars the kind of presence they need in the slot as he has an ability to separate quickly underneath and move the chains. He’ll never be a guy who can line up on the outside, but expect him to be a favorite of QB David Garrard on third down this season.

Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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